Grizzlies shake off slow start, beat Wolves 102-98

The Grizzlies overcame a huge first quarter deficit in their season opener against Minnesota and pulled off a 102-98 win.

The Timberwolves jumped out to an enormous 20-3 lead to start the game before the Grizz went on a run, ending the first quarter down just three.

Memphis’ hot shooting carried over from the preseason as the team connected on over 40 percent of their three-pointers, including 4-of-5 from Mike Conley. Big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph even contributed three-pointers of their own.

Conley led the Grizz in scoring with 24 points, knocking down 8 of his 14 shots.

Memphis was noticeably faster and more aggressive under new head coach David Fizdale, which led to more shooting.

On defense, there was no stopping the Timberwolves duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. The two combined for 46 points. However, with Vince Carter guarding Wiggins, the 21-year-old scored just two points in the 4th quarter.

Z-Bo kicked off his bid for 6th Man of the Year with a huge double-double off the bench, scoring 19 points with 11 rebounds.

Replacement starters Andrew Harrison and James Ennis experienced different performances on the court. Harrison, filling in for the injured Tony Allen, shot just 1-of-7 from the field for 4 point. Ennis, meanwhile, filled in for Chandler Parsons and thrived, knocking down a pair of three-pointers en route to 15 points and 6 rebounds.

Marc Gasol had a nice game in his return from a broken foot. Covering budding star Karl-Anthony Towns, Gasol was forced to play closer to the perimeter, limiting his rebound chances (3), but he was able to notch 18 points.

The Grizzlies kick off the season with a 1-0 record. They’ll travel to New York before playing their next game against the Knicks on Saturday.